As elected representatives discussed how the recent crisis of public health in Detroit with MICHUHCAN offs water bypass separation, education and non-profit advocacy on health issues, urged the officials to step out of the short time Take back "patch" common approaches and views on the development of water policy that reflects the actual ability of residents to pay their water bills. ALICE The recent report of the Michigan United Way clearly articulated, the reality for many low-income families. In Michigan, an income of $ 16.818 has hit $ 8.41 per hour, the most for a person to work, but not all of the basic life needs of a. For a family of two, the need for revenue $ 50, 365 for a job (or jobs) for a total of $ 25.17 per hour. Forty percent (40%) of Michigan residents fall below these thresholds. In Detroit, the figure rises.
With an average unit $ 847.17 water in Detroit an income of about $ 40,000 to the reference of the Environmental Protection Agency for access to water and 2% of household income should cover. The income level is more than most people in Detroit, where the average household income $ 19.790 3 live *
Water, such as health care is a necessity, not a failure of man. Lack of water causes great problems of public health with the disease and many other unintended consequences, including impacts on a child's ability to learn. Solution of these problems will require billions of dollars and unnecessary loss of precious lives. As a resident of Michigan, we pay now or pay later.
Citizens have the right to expect our elected representatives to reflect solutions to problems that develop an understanding, that "liberty and justice for all" requires approaches to protect the citizens who can not, sometime officials, so that basic needs. Water, health, must be a financially viable resource. The breakdown of costs for all of these needs, all of us, even if we. Facing a difficult financial situation in our lives
The answer is not cutting off access to basic needs, if invoices are not affordable or privatization of the service. The answer is, etching policy, the citizens protects against low income lost basic needs and no additional financial burden added, her life with the bills that are not available to develop their income. The development of employment, with incomes that meet the basic needs of a family, is also important.
We need to unite to demand fair and equitable policies in access to basic needs such as water, in Detroit and in Michigan.
Marjorie Mitchell, Executive Director
* Analysis completed by Alex B. Hill